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RCMI Research Corner

Strengthening Our TCM Community: RCMI Research Corner Highlights On April 10, 2026, our RCMI Research Corner served as a vital bridge between our leadership and our staff, specifically focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the session, our 4 MC (Member Committee) members gained valuable insights into the diverse backgrounds and specific TCM research interests of our staff members. This open dialogue allowed the MC to better understand the unique expertise within our organization. Impressed by the depth of interest and the strong alignment with our mission, 5 staff members who attended the session formally accepted invitations to join RCMI as official members. This successful exchange marks a significant step in expanding our TCM research network. We look forward to collaborating with our new members and continuing to foster a culture of shared knowledge. #RCMI #TCM #ResearchCommunity #StaffEngagement #TraditionalChineseMedicine #NewMembers

A Historic Visit from SHUTCM

We are pleased to announce a successful collaborative visit with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), co-hosted with RCMI from March 30 to April 1, 2026. The primary objective was to deepen our understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of Medicine and Food Homology. The delegation, led by distinguished academics including Dean Prof. Hailei ZHAO, Prof. Qi XU, and Prof. Lihong SUN, engaged in rigorous academic exchange with our faculty and MSc Dietetics cohort. Key engagement points included: Facility Showcase: A detailed inspection of our food processing, sensory evaluation, and teaching infrastructure. Curriculum Alignment: Strategic discussions on integrating TCM principles into modern dietetics education. Joint Seminar: A critical examination of the historical origins and contemporary relevance of TCM in food science. This visit underscores our commitment to global research collaboration and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern science. Thank you to all participants for a productive and meaningful dialogue. 🤝📚 We are thrilled to wrap up an incredible three-day collaboration between RCMI, FSN and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM)! From March 31 to April 1, 2026, we didn't just talk about the future of food—we lived it. What we accomplished: Connected: Curated curriculum discussions over a welcome dinner. Explored: Walked through our high-tech Food Processing, Sensory, and Teaching labs. Inspired: Our MSc Dietetics students shared ideas with international experts. Learned: A groundbreaking seminar on "Medicine and Food Homology" led by Prof. Hailei ZHAO, Prof. Qi XU, and Prof. Lihong SUN. Discovering how food and TCM have been intertwined for centuries was the highlight of our week. A huge thank you to everyone who made this exchange so impactful! 

RCMI Joins Shouchuang Chinese Medicine Trade Platform to Advance Industry Transformation

On 9 April, our Director joined the launch ceremony of Shouchuang Chinese Medicine Trade Platform—a strategic initiative dedicated to advancing the centralization, standardization, and transparency of Chinese herbal medicine trade. As a key participant, RCMI will contribute scientific expertise to support: Co-development of unified TCM quality and trading standards with Hong Kong Mutual recognition of testing methodologies and certification Interoperable data systems for traceability and market integrity Through this collaboration, RCMI also aims to learn from cross-border best practices, strengthen regulatory alignment, and help build a trusted, modern ecosystem for Traditional Chinese Medicine—one that serves the innovation-driven vision of the Greater Bay Area.

PD-001R Wins International Accolades as Promising Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The project titled “PD-001R: A First-in-Class Candidate for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases”, led by Prof. Simon LEE Ming-yuen—Cally Kwong Mei Wan Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Innovation, Chair Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Founder of PolyU spin-off AIM Pharmaceutical International Limited—in collaboration with Dr. ZHAO Chen, Postdoctoral Fellow at FSN, has been awarded both the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and a Gold Medal at an international innovation exhibition. PD-001R is a novel small-molecule drug candidate derived from Alpinia oxyphylla Fructus. It uniquely promotes the degradation of pathological α-synuclein aggregates—a key pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease—and has demonstrated strong oral bioavailability and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, overcoming major challenges in central nervous system drug development. This breakthrough exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research bridging food science, traditional Chinese medicine, biomedical innovation, and translational medicine. The global recognition underscores PolyU’s leadership in pioneering therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lee and Dr. Zhao for this outstanding achievement, which brings distinguished international acclaim to the Department and reflects our shared commitment to research excellence at the frontiers of science and health innovation.

Promoting Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer Care Seminar Successfully Concluded

RCMI was proud to co-organize the “Promoting Integrative Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Breast Cancer Treatment Symposium” held on March 29, 2026. We were honored to have the Director of RCMI deliver the opening speech, setting an inspiring tone for the event. Supported by the HKSAR Government and the Chinese Medicine Development Fund, the seminar brought together experts and scholars from multiple disciplines, including #WesternMedicine, #ChineseMedicine, #Nursing, #Nutrition, and #Pharmacy, to explore the application and development of integrative approaches in breast cancer treatment. Integrative medicine combines the strengths of Western medicine as the primary approach, complemented by Chinese medicine, to provide comprehensive care for patients. This model emphasizes collaboration and synergy, rather than replacement. The event was held in a hybrid format, attracting over 1,000 participants both online and offline. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the exchange of ideas was enthusiastic. Through in-depth discussions, we were reminded that every professional dialogue is a crucial step towards advancing integrative medicine. We firmly believe that collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine is not only the integration of two medical systems, but also a sincere commitment to holistic care for every breast cancer patient. The Cancer Information Charity Foundation and RCMI look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with all experts and partners, contributing more wisdom and warmth to breast cancer prevention and the overall development of healthcare in Hong Kong.

Big things happen when academia meets industry

On March 10, RCMI welcomed the Nestlé R&D Greater China Region team for a powerhouse day of connection. We were joined by Mr. Guglielmo Bonora (Head of R&D) for deep dives into the future of nutrition. From Women’s Health and Immunity to Smart Ageing and Chinese Medicine innovation, our experts and Nestlé leaders are aligning to create sustainable health solutions for the future. 🌏 This is just the start of an exciting journey to translate research into real-world impact. Here’s to a future of collaboration and better health for all! 🥂

PolyU Research Team Identifies Sustained Antidepressant Mechanism in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula

  PolyU Research Team Identifies Sustained Antidepressant Mechanism in Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula A research team led by Professor Sonata YAU, Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and member of both the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) and the Mental Health Research Centre (MHRC), has uncovered the long-term antidepressant effects of two bioactive compounds—geniposide (GP) and shanzhiside methyl ester (SM)—from the traditional Chinese medicine formula Yueju Pill. Using a four-week chronic unpredictable stress mouse model, the study demonstrated that chronic co-administration of GP and SM (referred to as GS) significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors. Notably, high-dose GS enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, effects mediated through PACAP signaling in the dentate gyrus—a pathway confirmed essential, as antidepressant benefits were abolished when PACAP was knocked down. These findings, published in the European Journal of Pharmacology, suggest that GS offers a promising therapeutic strategy for long-term depression treatment via a mechanism distinct from conventional neurogenesis-dependent approaches. 👉🔗 Read the full paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299926001950  

Prof. Che delivered PAIR Seminar

🌿 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science 🌿 We were honored to welcome Prof. CHE Chun-tao from the University of Illinois Chicago, USA, for a PAIR Seminar titled “Chinese Medicines and Geriatric Health – A Research Perspective” on 14 January 2026. During the seminar, Prof. Che emphasized the significance of evidence-based Chinese medicine in elderly care, effectively bridging traditional wisdom with modern scientific research. The event attracted approximately 90 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of over 15,850 across various social media platforms. Read more: https://polyu.hk/IHfzb  Watch the review: https://youtu.be/Wa1o9SGJkSs

Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks

Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks: Fostering International Collaboration and Innovation Following the Botanical Symposium, we were delighted to host the Botanical Horizons Forum & Young Scholar Talks. This event brought together young scholars and researchers from PolyU, Naresuan University (Thailand), and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, who delivered eight engaging presentations. The topics spanned a wide range of innovative research, including herbal and traditional remedies for neurological and cardiovascular health, advances in inflammation and cognitive health, phytochemical studies of medicinal plants, and new approaches in oral health and drug delivery. The forum fostered vibrant interaction and knowledge exchange, particularly with our colleagues from Naresuan University. We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions, which made the event a truly memorable and inspiring occasion. The event fostered vibrant interaction and collaboration, especially with our colleagues from Naresuan University. We thank all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions and enthusiasm, which made the forum a truly memorable occasion.

International Botanical Symposium 2026

Advancing Chinese Medicine: Highlights from International Botanical Symposium 2026   The Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (RCMI) proudly hosted the International Botanical Symposium 2026 on 7–8 January 2026 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event welcomed over 100 participants, both in person and online, for two days of inspiring presentations and meaningful discussions.   Opening remarks by Prof. WONG Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Dr Vincent CHUNG Chi-ho, Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development at the Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government; and Dr Edmund FONG Ho-ching, Assistant Director of Health (Chinese Medicine) at the Department of Health of the HKSAR Government, set the tone for a dynamic programme featuring 14 distinguished speakers. Topics ranged from herbal medicine and neurocognitive functions to drug–herb interactions and artificial intelligence in biomedical sciences. The event also highlighted the progress of RCMI seed projects, showcasing how collaborative research is yielding impactful outcomes.   The symposium reaffirmed RCMI’s continued commitment to advancing health and well-being through Chinese Medicine by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and nurturing the next generation of scientists.   RCMI extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, participants, and supporters, and gratefully acknowledges the support of the Good Practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Association (GP-TCM RA) and Shenzhen Key Laboratory, whose contributions continue to strengthen regional and international partnerships.   Looking ahead, RCMI will expand research in tai chi, acupuncture, and artificial intelligence in Chinese Medicine, while deepening collaborations with scientists from Canada, Australia, the USA, and local institutions. These efforts will drive clinical studies at Hong Kong’s new TCM hospital and advance product development.